Tonsillitis
What is tonsillitis? Everything you need to know about its symptoms and the best treatment for inflamed tonsils with pus-filled patches.
Symptoms and Causes
Tonsillitis, commonly known as a "sore throat," is the inflammation of the tonsils, which are clusters of lymphoid tissue located on both sides of the throat. They act as the body’s first line of defense, especially in children.
Depending on how it manifests, tonsillitis can be classified into three types:
- Acute tonsillitis: Very common among children and teenagers. It occurs suddenly and resolves a few days after symptoms begin.
- Recurrent tonsillitis: Usually caused by a streptococcal infection that the body does not effectively combat. Recurrent acute tonsillitis is diagnosed if it occurs more than seven times in one year, more than five times per year for two years, or more than three times per year for three years.
- Chronic tonsillitis: Less common, it involves a persistent infection with intermittent symptoms lasting at least six months. Long-term inflammation of the tonsils can lead to more severe conditions.
The medical community recommends monitoring the condition and identifying its cause, as each type of tonsillitis requires a different treatment.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of tonsillitis include:
- Swollen, red tonsils
- Pus on the tonsils (yellow or white patches)
- Sore throat and difficulty swallowing
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Halitosis (bad breath)
Causes
Tonsillitis can have different causes. Based on the origin of the infection, this condition can be classified into two types:
- Viral tonsillitis: Caused by a viral infection. Symptoms are usually mild, and the condition resolves on its own within a few days.
- Bacterial tonsillitis: Caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly streptococcal tonsillitis. It requires medication, and symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer than viral tonsillitis.
Risk Factors
Several factors increase the risk of developing tonsillitis. The most significant include:
- Age: Children between the ages of five and fifteen are more susceptible to the condition.
- Exposure to germs, viruses, and bacteria.
- Sudden temperature changes.
- Weakened immune system.
Complications
Although uncommon, tonsillitis can lead to complications such as:
- Interrupted breathing during sleep.
- Spread of infection to surrounding tissues.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Sinusitis.
- Otitis (ear infection).
Prevention
The best way to prevent tonsillitis is to avoid contact with infected individuals, refrain from sharing utensils that come into contact with the mouth, and wash hands thoroughly before eating and after using the restroom.
Which Doctor Treats Tonsillitis?
Specialists in Otorhinolaryngology, Pediatrics and their specific areas, and Family and community medicine doctors diagnose and treat tonsillitis.
Diagnosis
Tonsillitis is usually easy to diagnose. It can typically be performed in a clinical setting, as it is sufficient to evaluate the symptoms, examine the condition of the throat, and palpate the lymph nodes.
In some cases, a pharyngeal exudate culture is performed, which allows for the identification of the type of bacteria responsible for the infection.
Treatment
In cases of viral tonsillitis, treatment is limited to symptomatic relief when symptoms are particularly bothersome. Typically, rest is recommended, along with adequate fluid intake and the use of medications to reduce fever and alleviate inflammation. In cases of bacterial tonsillitis, antibiotic therapy is also required.
Recurrent tonsillitis requires a thorough evaluation. When the frequency of episodes is very high and interferes with the patient’s daily activities, tonsillectomy is usually recommended. This procedure consists of a surgical operation to remove the tonsils, performed through the mouth under general anesthesia.
